CONFIRMED: Two-year deal for defender Edwards

Liverpool born Edwards began his career with Wigan Athletic in 2004 but had spells with Morecambe and Accrington Stanley on loan without making an appearance for the Latics. His loan move to Accrington turned into a permanent transfer, in July 2006, and he would go on to play for Stanley for over six seasons enjoying promotion to the Football League whilst there.

Phil joined Stevenage, in July 2011, before returning North to join Rochdale a year later. However, after just one season at Spotland, he joined Burton Albion, where he enjoyed back to back promotions from League Two to the Championship with the Brewers.

Ironically, his final appearance for Burton was to be against the Shakers in their 3-2 victory over Bury in the League Cup in August 2016 as he joined League One newcomers Oxford United on a season long loan. He went onto play every game for Oxford last season before returning to the Pirelli Stadium at the end of the season.

A player packed with experience, Phil is just two games short of making 500 appearances and has scored 37 goals during his career.

Speaking of his latest signing, manager Lee Clark said:

“I’m delighted to have added Phil Edwards to our squad for next season. Phil is very much like Jermaine Beckford in that he has been successful in gaining promotion out of this league and into the Championship.

“He’s obviously been successful before and I had to chance to watch him, at close quarters, just a few weeks ago playing for Oxford against us, I thought he was outstanding for Oxford against us.

“This is a fantastic signing for us, and done so early in the window. Once again, Carrington played a huge part in sealing the deal and I know that Phil was immensely impressed with our training facility. His arrival brings competition for places with Craig Jones plus, if needed, we can also play Craig further up the field.”